Named in memory of Robert Franz (1815–1892), German composer of songs. An organist in his native city of Halle, he was also conductor of the Singakademie and the university director of music. Franz set more than 350 songs to music, using in particular the words by Heine {see planet  (7109)} (Im Rhein, im heiligen Strome, Wie des Mondes Abbild). His arrangements and editions of compositions of Bach and Handel {see planets  (1814) and  (3826), respectively} were very important. He was appointed Knight of the Order of Maximilian for arts and sciences in 1878 by the king of Bavaria. (M 34632) _ _.